Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane Green Tea

If you're looking at the title of this blog and wondering why on earth I'm reviewing a type of tea, let me explain. I belong to the "Influenster Nation," if you didn't already know. Basically, this means that I get neat little boxes of goodies to review from time to time, and this lovely tea was included with the aptly titled "Frosty VoxBox." However, I do feel that this item does fall under the beauty category since being relaxed goes a long way towards helping your overall demeanor, as well as the tension lines and wrinkles in your face. So I actually should be thanking Influenster for helping me branch out a little bit! Now, without further ado, let's get down to business.

Isn't this such a cozy little photo? Drinking tea (or coffee) and reading are two of my favorite pastimes, especially in the winter months. I am a fan of Celestial Seasonings Victorian Earl Grey tea, but flavored teas have never really been my thing. A few have been nice, but I don't think I've ever repurchased a flavored tea. Also, I'm not a big fan of peppermint at all, which is another reason for my being shocked concerning my reaction to this tea. I really liked it! It has a very light tea flavor when compared to regular Earl Grey, and the peppermint is subtle enough to enhance the overall tea experience (instead of being overpowering, like peppermint tends to be). I added a small amount of sugar and milk, which I do when drinking Earl Grey as well. Overall, this is a very good holiday tea which does a nice job of relaxing the mind and body. I think the aroma of the peppermint adds a lot to the relaxing properties of this tea. I highly recommend this tea as a tasty holiday treat to help you unwind after the hustle and bustle of the season!

Clear Proof Acne System

Hello everyone! So I've been gone a while, but I promise to try to get back in the swing of blogging. This review is based on some products that I got free to test from Influenster, a great site which sends out products for review. This is the second physical box that I have received from Influenster, but I have also participated in what they call "virtual boxes" as well. If you haven't already, you should really check them  out!

Once upon a time, I used to sell Mary Kay. However, I was thrilled to see that the products included with this special VoxBox were completely new to me. I remember when Velocity was the acne line that Mary Kay had, and, while it smelled great, it was a little drying on my skin. Given that, I had some preexisting notions about this new acne system. However, I thought it was worth a shot.

I think the best way to present this review is to break it down one item at a time. This way you can see what I liked and didn't like about each item.

Clear Proof Clarifying Cleansing Gel
This gel cleanser is pretty standard as far as acne treatment. It is a clear gel which lathers well; it also has no scent, which is better than having the harsh chemical odor that some acne washes can have. With 2% salicylic acid, it can be a little drying, and it tingles if left on the skin too long. It does the job, but watch out if you are a little on the dry side.




 
Clear Proof Blemish Control Toner
Well, this is a toner...what else can I say? I've never really been too big on any toner. In fact, this is usually a step I skip. Once again, the 2% salicylic acid can be drying, but I'm assuming that most people will use this only when needed (which is what I did). While it claims to be exfoliating, I'm not sure how much of that I saw. It has a nice lemony scent though!

Clear Proof Acne Treatment Gel
This gel treatment is said to prevent new pimples from forming, as well as fading older acne scars. I am pleased to say that both of these claims were true, in my experience! There is no scent to this gel. It is white in color, but goes on clear. I felt a slight tingle a little bit after application, but after that, I was fine. The active ingredient is 5% benzoyl peroxide; however, I did not find this as drying as the previous two products.

Clear Proof Oil-Free Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin
HOLY GRAIL STATUS!!! I must say, this is the shining star of the whole system for me! Moisturizers have always made my acne worse, even so-called oil-free varieties. However, this one really works! Not only did it alleviate all dryness I was feeling from the active acne ingredients contained in the other items in the system, but it also left my skin feeling better than ever. It seems almost too thin to moisturize, but don't let that fool you. It absorbs into your skin super quickly, leaving a wonderful feeling behind. I even started using it in the mornings instead of a primer. Oh yeah, it's that good!

Final Verdict
Overall, these products work well together to make a great acne system. While testing them, I had an allergic reaction to some medication, but these products were mild enough to continue using during that breakout as well. In fact, my breakout cleared up much faster than normal and all the spots have since faded into nothingness. If you've been struggling to find a good acne system, give this a try. Hopefully, you'll like it as much as I did.



Oh, and just because you probably want to see my results, here is a before and after picture after only two weeks of use. This was prior to my horrendous breakout from my medicine, but I think you'll get the idea. Until next time! :)

Kiss Everlasting French Manicure

Hey everyone!  Now that school is out and I've had time to unwind a bit, I'm ready to jump back into blogging.  I have a lot of things lined up to write about this summer, and hopefully you're ready to get back into the swing of reading my blog!  First thing, I want to tell you that I signed up at this really cool website called Influenster.  Basically, they are looking for people to review products.  I have officially qualified for what they call a VoxBox, and the product I am reviewing today was one of the promotional items I received.  While the product was given to me, this has in no way influenced my opinions.  Just wanted to clear that up before we begin.

So...nails!  I've always had issues with my nails.  I am a classic nail biter.  I've spent a ton of money at various salons getting acrylic nails because I just couldn't stop biting my own.  I go through phases where I grow my own nails out and really take care of them, but, inevitably, I break down and let them have it.  So I've tried my fair share of fake press-on/glue-on type nails.  I've never been a big fan of these cheaper alternatives to salon visits.  For this reason, I wasn't too thrilled to see the following item in my VoxBox:

However, I was curious about all the claims on the packaging: guaranteed no chip; stronger, longer wear; self-tabs for easy application; won't chip, crack or wear away for 7 day of normal wear.  Also, the box proclaimed that these nails were "real short," which is what I look for in a nail.  The people at the salon would always joke me about how short I wanted my nails, but, honestly, I do a lot with my hands and longer nails would just get in my way.

I decided to give these nails a try, and I'm glad I did!  I'm actually wearing the nails now as I type this, so I'm happy to report that they are indeed short enough to not interfere with my daily activities.  While the application process itself was just like all the other glue-on nails that I've tried, the little self-tabs were a big help in getting the nails centered before pressing them down.  Overall, it was a much easier process than I've experienced before.

These are the lovely finished products!  I'm very pleased with the way they turned out, and I really think they look just as good as when I get my nails done at the salon.  I've only had them on a little while, but they feel very secure, unlike other types of nails I've tried in the past.  I'll keep you updated on whether or not they last for the whole seven days.  However, if I do break one, there are a ton left in the package, so I can easily make any needed repairs.  I really think this is a nail product worth your money, so be sure to check it out!

Have you tried these nails before?  If so, let me know in the comment box below.  I'd love to hear your opinions on this product!  Until next time, peace and love!